The neurotrophic activities of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor are potentiated by binding with apigenin, a common flavone in vegetables, in stimulating the receptor signaling

AIMS: We aimed to identify the neurotrophic activities of apigenin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxyflavone) via its coordination with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and an elevated signaling of tyrosine kinase receptor B (Trk B receptor). METHODS: The direct binding of apigenin to BDNF was validated by ultrafiltration and biacore assay. Neurogenesis, triggered by apigenin and/or BDNF, was determined in cultured SH‐SY5Y cells and rat cortical neurons. The amyloid‐beta (Aβ)(25‐35)‐induced cellular stress was revealed by propidium iodide staining, mitochondrial membrane potential, bioenergetic analysis, and formation of reactive oxygen species levels. Activation of Trk B signaling was tested by western blotting. RESULTS: Apigenin and BDNF synergistically maintained the cell viability and promoted neurite outgrowth of cultured neurons. In addition, the BDNF‐induced neurogenesis of cultured neurons was markedly potentiated by applied apigenin, including the induced expressions of neurofilaments, PSD‐95 and synaptotagmin. Moreover, the synergy of apigenin and BDNF alleviated the (Aβ)(25‐35)‐induced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. The synergy could be accounted by phosphorylation of Trk B receptor, and which was fully blocked by a Trk inhibitor K252a. CONCLUSION: Apigenin potentiates the neurotrophic activities of BDNF through direct binding, which may serve as a possible treatment for its curative efficiency in neurodegenerative diseases and depression.